CH grant benefits Metal Container Corp.

Metal Container Corp. in New Windsor, a subsidiary of Missouri-based Anheuser-Busch Cos., received a $200,000 economic development grant this month from Poughkeepsie-based Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. under the utility”™s business retention for manufacturing program.

“Metal Container Corp. is a leading employer in our region, and is offered this grant for investing in a new manufacturing process and retaining 173 jobs at their facility,” said James P. Laurito, president of Central Hudson.

The grant is funded through Central Hudson”™s economic development program and was approved by the state Public Service Commission.

“Thanks in part to the grant we’ve received from Central Hudson Gas & Electric, Anheuser-Busch has made a substantial new investment in our state-of-the-art can plant that will give us specialty can production capability,” said Jason Oder, plant manager.

Last year, Anheuser-Busch said it invested more than $50 million in Metal Container Corp. to lower production costs, improve efficiency and retain jobs. The grant from Central Hudson, it said, helped propel a decision to also invest in specialty can production.

“We are pleased to offer this grant to help promote the economic well-being of the Mid-Hudson Valley and to support companies that bring investment into the region,” said Laurito.